Stuck in Cancun...

[wlfpack81]

I realize that most of the attention from media will be on Florida, b/c this is America and news that affects us will come first added w/the fact some in this country aren't always concerned w/what goes on outside the country (unless it affects us directly).

However, this developing Cancun/Cozumel situation is really beginning to make me ill. This is setting up to be a terrible, terrible hit for that area and I just shudder to think what the locals are going to face. Not only will they lose their houses but their jobs as I assume most of the locals work at these hotels/resorts (like most international tourist areas). Pictures out of that area could be very somber in the next 3-5 days. With the slow track of the storm rain based flooding is going to be horrible as well and I just hope we don't have another Mitch situation were 1000's of lives are lost due to flooding.

[sweetpea]

Hubby and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary last year almost to the day in Cozumel (10/29), we fell in love with that beautiful island. We are both sick with what will happen there. My prayers are going out to everyone in the Yucatan.

Debbie

[Praxus]

Unfortunately if the latest track plays out, the cancun resort area may
just be a big sandbar covered in debris when this is all over

[curtadams]

I have friends in Cozumel and Isla Mujeres who are riding it out.

Oh please, no. It's a barrier island on the very NE tip of the Yucatan. Isla Mujeres will be a deathtrap if Wilma takes the right path. Much worse than Galveston 1900. Isn't there any way to get them out?

[cmdebbie]

I am also sick to my stomach.....I was in Cozumel two weeks ago. What an awesome place. I just keep looking at the ring that I bought there and thinking about the nice people that sold it to me and many others like them. How sad!!!

[sponger]

Latest update, The flight has been cancelled. Airport will close in 2 hours. My mom is trying to get him on the last flight to Mexico City. Not looking good! Thanks again to everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers.

[inotherwords]

Unfortunately if the latest track plays out, the cancun resort area may
just be a big sandbar covered in debris when this is all over

I wonder how this will compare to when Gilbert hit it? I know that was devastating for them. I am not sure how long it took them to rebuild or if they built it bigger/stronger/whatever since then. I haven't been back there since the mid 1980s when I caught dengue fever from a mosquito bite there...it was also not my cup of tea, I tend to like quainter places and Cancun was a little too commercial for my liking.

[Canelaw99]

My hubby and I honeymooned in Cancun March '04 and I'm very saddened to think of what will happen to the area with Wilma on the way

[N2FSU]

We went to Cancun and Cozumel on our honeymoon in '93. Cozumel had the absolutely most beautiful diving I have ever experienced. I feel for and pray for the people there who are about to experience a terrible catastrophe.

[lisa0825]

I have friends in Cozumel and Isla Mujeres who are riding it out.

Oh please, no. It's a barrier island on the very NE tip of the Yucatan. Isla Mujeres will be a deathtrap if Wilma takes the right path. Much worse than Galveston 1900. Isn't there any way to get them out?

nope, no planes or ferries running anymore. I was just there in August, and met so many great people. We'd been talking about me coming back to stay longer. I hope at the last minute they jumped on the last ferry.

I am hoping Cozumel comes through this... they contruct things with memories of storms past there... rebal and concrete.... I know at least a dozen people staying there through the storm. 900 people are in the hotels that stayed open.

[Derek Ortt]

Cozemul has withstood a 4 this year.

I am more worried about total obliteration for Cancun and the north end of Cozemul Island

[Matt-hurricanewatcher]

The reports that morning after Emily had hit shown little damage??? Some one on here said there was little damage at Cozemul.

[MBismyPlayground]

Latest update, The flight has been cancelled. Airport will close in 2 hours. My mom is trying to get him on the last flight to Mexico City. Not looking good! Thanks again to everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers.

Sponger,
I will keep him and his bud in my prayers.As well as all the others there as well.
Do not forget, first and foremost, he is a soldier. He has been trained for many things, although, hurricane is not a big priority. But...he will do fine.
And may even be able to help, thru his training, those who cannot help themselves. But also follow Dereks and others advice. A matress over the head,far away as possible from water.
Please keep us all updated on this situation.

[lisa0825]

The reports that morning after Emily had hit shown little damage??? Some one on here said there was little damage at Cozemul.

A couple large resorts on the far south end of Cozumel had serious damage and were expected to be closed for a few months. The beach clubs on the east side of the island got wiped out, but those are built to be rebuilt, if you know what I mean. they are basically palapa huts with bars and grills.

The town of San Miguel, and the vast majority of the island of Cozumel fared very well. Lots of downed tree limbs and debris, but little heavy damage. Electricity service started getting restored in town the same day, and I believe most of the island was back to business as usual within a week or two.

What scares me more about Wilma though, is how slow she is moving. Emily flew by in comparison.

[wxmann_91]

Cozemul has withstood a 4 this year.

I am more worried about total obliteration for Cancun and the north end of Cozemul Island

If it takes the right path I'm afraid both places will be obliterated. Emily was a small, weakening Cat 4, and most likely Cozumel didn't experience true Cat 4 winds.

The reports that morning after Emily had hit shown little damage??? Some one on here said there was little damage at Cozemul.

Again, as I stated above, Emily was a small weakening Cat 4, and most likely Wilma will be a strengthening large strong 4, possibly even 5.


Here's the wind swath; it is HUGE:



EDIT: And read above post.

[sponger]

Thanks again to every one. Unfortunately, he didnt make it out. The flight was canceled and the airport closed at 7:30. We have no contact or any idea how they were getting out of the airport. Msbee is right, he is a recon combat experienced marine with a friend from the same platoon.

I hope he can use those skills not only for survival, but helping those who who cannot help themselves. Unfortuantely, it may be a few days before we know anything. Thanks again to all for your prayers and kind words. I will keep you posted!

[baygirl_1]

Sponger--
Your brother and his friend are in my prayers tonight. I am sure they are not alone. There had to be several more Americans unable to leave Cancun. With your brother's knowledge and experience, I feel sure he has located a safe shelter to ride out the storm and/or contacted the U.S. Consular Agency there for assistance. Hang in there!

[sponger]

Thanks baygirl! It really hits home to have a close family member or anyonr close to you in harms way. All this time hoping hoping he would return from Iraq safe an unharmed. Only to go relax in the path of a storm of this magnitude.

I know as soon as the airport closed he was on his A game. They are trained not to just deal with stress, but to maintain peak performance in bad, losing situations. I feel helpless but hopeful.

[sponger]

Hi all, just a quick update. Mr brother is safe at the hotel Caribe in downtown Cancun. He is on the 4th floor in a sturdy building. Its his first hurricane, but they have plenty of food and water. Will update as I hear info on local conditions!

[LabelleMichele]

Praying for him, his buddy and their families.
{Michele}